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SCHS seniors are required to complete a senior project prior to graduating. This project requires them to mentor in their chosen career field, research a social issue also in that field, and complete a project that will impact that social issue. Some seniors have elected to write an article for The Spencer Magnet as a way to raise awareness on their social issue. Over the next couple of weeks seniors will be publishing these articles in The Spencer Magnet. Presented as written.

The University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host its annual Equine Farm and Facilities Expo from 3:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at McPeek Racing’s Magdalena Farm in Lexington.

Horse owners and farm managers will have the opportunity to walk through a vendor trade show and see a range of equipment and supplies for horse farms of all sizes. UK specialists will provide hands-on instruction about practical aspects of management for equine operations. There will also be farm tours.

Now is the time for young people and their parents to begin making plans for an annual summer ritual — 4-H Camp.
4-H camps are open to all Kentucky youth between ages 9 and 13.

Many exciting activities and adventures await campers. 4-H’ers can spend their days participating in activities such as swimming, canoeing, high and low ropes, archery, recreation games, dances, and nature hikes.

I have loved green beans ever since I grew Tenderette in the fifth grade for my 4-H project at Simpsonville Elementary. Now I primarily grow the filet types of green beans, or what many call French beans or haricots verts (green bean in French).

If you don’t have the money to pay the taxes you owe, there are a few different ways you can clear your debt with the IRS.
First things first, however: If you didn’t file a tax return because you don’t have the money to pay what you owe, you’ll need to call the IRS immediately, before your error is compounded. Call 1-800-829-1040 and ask to set up a payment plan.

Mulch can be beneficial in many ways on plant beds, around foundation shrubs and other gardening locations in your yard, but mold can threaten its benefits.
In landscape beds and gardens, mulch helps control weeds, prevent extreme soil temperature fluctuation, decrease water evaporation and improve drainage. Mulch also reduces mower and string trimmer damage on shrubs and trees by suppressing vegetation near their trunks. As it decomposes, mulch produces organic materials to improve soil and otherwise benefit plants.

June 1 is the official cut off that marks the difference between a spring bloomer and a summer bloomer. Does it matter that you know? Yes, if you want to properly prune because pruning after June 1 could result in no blooms next year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds farmers that the 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015, in order to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support.

Louisville, KY ­— As the annual Earth Day celebration returns and encourages communities across the country to applaud their local environmental champions, perhaps the search needs not extend further than the nearest family farm.
The men and women tending to Kentucky’s 77,000 farms are committed to preserving the state’s land and water for a healthy return on the seeds they sow and the livestock they raise — for today and generations yet to come.

Spencer County High School FFA member Baileigh Bogard stands with a farmscape she displayed at Nelson County High School last month, which won first place. She and fellow SCHS student Barry Campbell have entered a number of contests and will put their displays to the test in Shelby County this coming weekend. Bogard said her involvement in FFA has had a great impact on her the last three years and she hopes to pursue a career in farming here in Spencer County.

How do precipitation and temperature affect plants?
Well, in every way possible. Excessive precipitation, especially in poorly-drained soils, can restrict oxygen intake by roots. Oxygen is vital for all other processes to occur that impact growth and vigor. In years where we have experienced excessively wet springs, we typically see stunting and yellowing in herbaceous plants.

The 4-H Teen Summit provides young people with essential leadership skills that can help them mature into successful, community minded adults. The Teen Summit is a middle school age 4-H leadership conference and 4-H Teen Conference is a high school age leadership conference. Please contact Mollie Tichenor at 477-2217 if you are interested in learning more about these programs or other opportunities through 4-H.

Spring planting of strawberries is recommended for Kentuckiana, as early as March. The key to a good crop is to plant them in the right spot and to choose the right variety… and this is where it can be a little confusing.

Carl and Susan Glasscock, of Taylorsville announce the engagement of their daughter Kristina (Kristy) Elaine Glasscock to Damien Ballard, son of Mike and Laura Ballard, of Bloomfield. Damien is a 2010 graduate of Nelson County High School and works for Team Fishel Electric Contractor in Louisville. Kristy is a 2012 graduate of Spencer County High School and is employed at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville.